AUSTIN, Texas, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Interplay Learning , the global leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Interplay Excellence Awards, recognizing the exceptional ways that Interplay and ITI customers have leveraged their training solutions to drive skill development, achieve business success, and create positive outcomes for their teams and communities."We are thrilled to honor these incredible organizations and their commitment to advancing skilled trades training," said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder, Interplay Learning. "These winners showcase what's possible when forward-thinking companies embrace immersive learning. They not only elevate their own teams, but they also strengthen the industries and communities they serve."The Interplay Excellence Awards celebrate the inspiring stories of companies transforming workforce development through impactful learning initiatives. This year, customers were invited to submit nominations across four distinct categories, each reflecting a unique dimension of training success.2025 Interplay Excellence Award WinnersTraining Innovation AwardHonoring customers who have implemented creative and impactful training programs that have significantly enhanced skill development.Winner: Streamline ServicesIndustry Excellence AwardCelebrating customers who have achieved measurable business success, such as growth, efficiency improvements or cost savings, demonstrating excellence in their industry.Winner: Ferguson EnterprisesRookie of the Year AwardRecognizing new customers who have quickly achieved outstanding results through training, demonstrating rapid and impactful success.Winner: Invitation HomesBetter Careers, Better Lives AwardHighlighting customers who have driven significant learner outcomes and created positive social or community impact through their training efforts.Winner: Center for PeopleThe winners were chosen by a panel of judges from Interplay's Executive Customer Advisory Boards. Brad Waldrop, Ward Plumbing and Heating; Seth Martin, Four Star Mechanical; Jack Kell, SmartCare Solutions; and Shane Bryant, Willow Bridge Property Company — respected industry leaders and valued Interplay Learning customers — brought their expertise and deep understanding of workforce development to the selection process. Their insights were instrumental in identifying the submissions that demonstrated the most significant impact and achievements.Winners received various prizes, including a cash award for learning and development to further invest in their training programs and continue their journey of innovation and excellence.For more information about the Interplay Excellence Awards, please visit: https://www.interplaylearning.com/interplay-excellence-awards/About Interplay LearningInterplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), the global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions

New executive brings significant software industry experience, proven financial leadership to immersive education companyAUSTIN, Texas, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive education for the skilled trades, announces John Pumpelly as their new chief financial officer, adding decades of technology and software industry expertise and proven financial leadership to an already-strong C-suite

ITI adds the third edition book as a companion resource to its online Fundamentals of Rigging Engineering trainingAUSTIN, Texas, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Industrial Training International (ITI) , an Interplay Learning company, today announced the release of the third edition of "Rigging Engineering Basics." This extensively updated and expanded edition is a key resource for people planning rigging operations, covering best practices, potential hazards, and fundamental rigging engineering tasks. Designed for a range of industry roles—including lift directors, lift planners, rigging engineers, site superintendents, field engineers, rigging foremen, heavy lift managers, heavy haul planners, and crane operators—the book provides practical guidance to support safe and efficient rigging operations.The new book was edited by Todd Harding, a global rigging manager at Bechtel with over 20 years of experience, in partnership with Jonathan Parnell, the senior director of engagement services at ITI, an Interplay Learning company. It introduces significant updates, including a chapter on Lift Planning Rationale, which explores risk control strategies, the effectiveness pyramid, and ASME P30.1 Lift Planning Framework considerations.Additional updates include:Expanded guidance on crane selection, including additional terminology and component identification for better decision-making.Comprehensive load-spreading content with synthetic mat reviews and comparison guides.New information and guidance related to lifting beams and spread bars, chain slings and synthetic rope slings, and shackles, including synthetic alternatives and advancements in wireless technology.An updated practical lift lug design section that includes guidance on lifting shipping containers, addressing global industry needs.The third edition builds on the work of Keith Anderson, who authored the first edition and was regarded as a pioneer in the field. Upon its initial release, "Rigging Engineering Basics" set a new training standard, covering topics not taught in trade schools nor as part of professional development courses within the construction sector. It was the first book to comprehensively address core concepts related to rigging and lift engineering."Lifting is one of the most visible aspects of the construction industry—and also one of the most hazardous," said Doug Donovan, CEO at Interplay Learning. "That's what makes this book so important—it provides professionals with the tools and skills they need to consistently execute lifts safely and effectively."To maximize industry impact, ITI has integrated the latest edition of "Rigging Engineering Basics" into its Fundamentals of Rigging Engineering curriculum